Black & Decker 20V MAX* Lithium Ion 4 Tool Combo Kit: Drill/Driver, Circular Saw, MOUSE detail sander and Work Light

Why this 20V kit makes sense (and where it doesn’t)

I put this Black & Decker 20V combo kit to work across a handful of homeowner tasks—hanging shelves, trimming a gate, cleaning up paint prep, and working in a dim crawlspace. It’s a straightforward, four-piece cordless bundle: a compact drill/driver, a 5-1/2 in. circular saw, a MOUSE detail sander with a finger attachment, and a small LED work light, plus two 20V MAX lithium-ion batteries and a basic charger. It’s aimed squarely at DIY users, and that shows—in both good and not-so-good ways.

What’s in the box and setup

Out of the box, the kit is refreshingly light. Each tool is easy to handle, and the batteries click on/off without drama. The charger uses a jack plug rather than a slide-on dock, which keeps the footprint tiny but doesn’t give you much in the way of feedback beyond a simple indicator light. It’s not a fast charger; plan to top up between tasks rather than expecting quick turnarounds.

Worth noting: the batteries are 1.5Ah. They’re fine for intermittent drilling or sanding, but they’re small for cutting tasks. If you plan to use the saw regularly, a higher-capacity battery (e.g., 4Ah) makes a noticeable difference in runtime and maintains rpm under load.

I did encounter one hiccup: one pack in my first kit wouldn’t take a charge. The replacement solved it, but it’s a reminder to test both batteries immediately so you can exchange if needed. Once I had two healthy packs, the kit behaved as expected.

Drill/driver: compact and capable for household tasks

The drill/driver is the standout. It’s compact, light, and easy to control, with an 11-position clutch that’s well-spaced for typical fastening in softwood and sheet goods. Driving cabinet screws, wall anchors, and hinge screws was predictable, and I didn’t strip heads unless I forced the issue. The keyless chuck grips bits securely; I swapped between pilot bits and driver tips quickly without hunting for a key.

The onboard LED helps in dark corners, though the placement throws a shadow when you’re very close to the work. That’s common at this price point and not a dealbreaker. For light carpentry, furniture builds, and everyday maintenance, this drill checks the boxes.

What it’s not: a heavy-duty fastener driver. If you’re sinking long structural screws or big lag bolts regularly, you’ll want an impact driver or a beefier drill. For the average homeowner, though, it’s exactly the right size and power.

Circular saw: upgrade the blade and mind your cuts

The 5-1/2 in. circular saw is compact and easy to steer, with bevel detents at 45° and 90°. With the stock blade, I could rip and crosscut 2x pine at 90°, but it’s slow, and you’ll feel the motor bog if you rush the cut. Swapping to a quality thin-kerf blade transformed the experience—smoother, faster cuts with less strain on the tool and battery. If you buy this kit, upgrade the blade; the saw deserves it.

A few practical notes:
- Depth and diameter limit this saw to light framing and trim. It won’t make a single-pass 45° cut through 2x material.
- Keep pressure light. Let the blade do the work, and the saw tracks cleanly.
- The shoe is stable, the line of sight is decent, and bevel/height adjustments are simple.

With a fresh battery and a better blade, I used it to cut gate rails, rip down a plywood shelf, and notch a few pieces for a planter. It’s not a jobsite saw, but it’s genuinely useful for small builds and repairs.

MOUSE detail sander: handy for corners and touch-ups

The MOUSE-style sander is exactly what you expect: lightweight, easy to maneuver, and great for detail work. The finger attachment is the hero feature—it reaches into tight spots that a palm sander can’t touch. I used it to clean up door trim, knock down paint drips, and prep inside corners.

This is a finesse tool, not a material removal monster. If you need to flatten a tabletop or erase deep defects, you’ll want a larger random-orbit sander. For nib removal, edge work, and small projects, it’s ideal. Pads swap quickly and hold tight. Keep spare pads on hand; the pointed tips wear faster during corner work.

LED work light: useful, but limited

The included LED light is better than your phone, but not by much. It’s a simple utility light: fine for under-sink repairs, closet work, or as a backup when the power goes out. For lighting a whole work area or for precise cutting, you’ll want a brighter task light. Treat it as a convenience item and it won’t disappoint.

Ergonomics, build, and noise

All four tools are comfortable for longer sessions. The grips are rubberized in the right places, and the balance is good with the compact batteries. As you’d expect with brushed motors, the saw and sander have a sharper, higher-pitched sound than premium tools, but vibration is manageable and didn’t leave my hands buzzing.

Fit and finish are typical Black & Decker: tough enough for home use, not overbuilt. The tool housings align well, adjustments click positively, and nothing feels sloppy. I do wish the kit included a bag or case; as it stands, you’ll need a tote or toolbox to keep everything together.

Batteries, charging, and the platform

The 20V MAX packs here are interchangeable across Black & Decker’s 20V lineup, which is a big plus if you want to add a trimmer, blower, or other tools later. For this kit specifically:
- Two 1.5Ah packs get you through light tasks if you rotate them.
- Cutting and continuous sanding will drain a pack quickly; stepping up to a 4Ah pack meaningfully improves runtime and overall feel.
- The charger is basic. It’s gentle on packs but slow. If you’re mid-project, start charging as soon as you swap batteries.

I’d love to see a battery fuel gauge; without one, you’re guessing. That’s a common omission at this price point, but still worth noting.

Performance takeaways

• Drill/driver: Excellent for its class. Compact, predictable clutch, adequate torque for typical DIY.
• Circular saw: Perfectly serviceable with a better blade and a higher-capacity battery. Respect its limits and it’s a helpful addition.
• Detail sander: Great for corners and touch-ups; not a high-output surfacing tool.
• Work light: Handy but dim. A bonus, not a driver for the purchase.

Value and who it’s for

This kit makes the most sense as a starter set for homeowners or renters who want cordless convenience for light carpentry, assembly, and maintenance. If you’re building decks, remodeling rooms, or cutting sheet goods weekly, you’ll outgrow it quickly and should look at higher-capacity batteries and more powerful tools.

At full MSRP, value is fair but not exceptional. This kit is frequently discounted, and at a sale price it becomes an easy recommendation for first-time buyers or as a secondary set for the house. The two-tool battery rotation works fine for intermittent tasks, and the platform compatibility leaves room to expand.

What I’d change

• Include a carry bag and a better saw blade.
• Add a battery fuel gauge.
• Offer the kit with at least one 2.0–4.0Ah pack.
• Improve the charger with faster charge rates and clearer diagnostics.

Final recommendation

I recommend the Black & Decker 20V combo kit for casual DIYers who need an affordable, no-fuss set to handle common household projects. The drill is a pleasure to use, the sander is surprisingly handy, and the saw, with a blade upgrade and bigger battery, pulls its weight for small builds. Be mindful of the 1.5Ah runtime and test your batteries right away. If you can catch the kit on sale—or you already own other Black & Decker 20V tools—it’s a practical, budget-friendly way to cover the basics without overbuying. If your projects are larger or more frequent, invest in higher-capacity batteries or step up to a more robust platform.